Italy vs Uruguay
Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Kick-off: 9.30 Sri Lankan time
Referee: Marco Rodriquez (Mexico).
Italy take on Uruguay at Natal’s Arena das Dunas with qualification from Group D at stake for the winner.
Costa Rica have already secured their progression to the knockout stages, but should they lose to England in Belo Horizonte, then top spot would become available for either team here if they are able to overturn the superior goal difference boasted by Jorge Luis Pinto’s side.
A draw would be enough to send Italy through on goal difference and a second-place finish would pair them with the winner of Group C in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
After edging past the Three Lions in the heat of Manaus, Italy failed to build on their promising start as Costa Rica condemned them to a 1-0 defeat six days later and manager Cesare Prandelli is now hoping for a response.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti could return for Italy. There have also been suggestions that Ciro Immobile may feature up front, but the Borussia Dortmund frontman may start in the bench.
Uruguay have Maximiliano Pereira available for selection following suspension, but Alvaro Pereira may miss out because of concussion.
Captain Diego Lugano is also unlikely to feature because of a knee problem.
This is a massive game in Group D. Both teams have been upset by Costa Rica but beaten England.
A draw would favour Italy, who have a better goal difference than their Uruguayan counterparts.
Luis Suárez won the game for urgusy against England and will be expected to do it again.
But Andrea Pirlo may have a say in just how potent the Liverpool striker will be in Natal.
Italy (Possible, 4-5-1): Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmian; De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio, Candreva; Balotelli.
Uruguay (Possible, 4-4-2): Muslera; A Pereira, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres; M Pereira, Gargano, Rodriguez, Arevalo; Suárez, Cavani.
